Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão will open its newest location on Monday in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose neighborhood. It is the restaurant’s third location in the national capital area, joining downtown DC and Tysons.
Located on the corner of Grand Park Ave. and Old Georgetown Rd., the restaurant seats approximately 300 guests, and features an open churrasco grill, white Carrera Market Table, a lively bar area, and open-air patio space with Bar Fogo menu offerings. Upon entering the restaurant’s panoramic dining room guests will see elegant private dining spaces along with a signature bas-relief interpretation of Antonio Carigni’s 16-foot O’Laçador statue, the embodiment of the gaucho culture.
“This year marks our 40th anniversary with the opening of our 41st U.S. location in North Bethesda. Our steady growth is a testament to the appeal of our unique concept, high quality hospitality and thoughtful innovation to our new and loyal guests.” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “With our authentic Southern Brazilian culture and cuisine, guests can expect to receive the same experience here in North Bethesda that they would at any of our locations in Brazil.”
The Fogo North Bethesda culinary team is led by General Manager and Head Gaucho Chef Moises Lopes. An industry veteran with over 17 years of experience, Lopes first learned the gaucho style of cooking on his family farm in Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil. In 2005, he began to pursue a career as a gaucho chef with Fogo in Brazil moving to the United States in 2008.
Fogo’s menu is anchored by a variety of fire-roasted meats including favorites like ribeye, lamb chops, and the house-specialty, Picanha, the most prized Brazilian steak. The new restaurant will also offer a range of menu selections and prices to fit guests’ needs for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
In addition, the Fogo North Bethesda also offers guests an elevated experience at the reimagined, contemporary bar with lounge seating and dedicated staff. Guests can enjoy small plates like Braised Beef Rib Sliders, Churrasco meat boards, or the house-ground Picanha Burger. Happy hour offers include $4 Brazilian bites and beers, $6 South American wines and $8 Brazilian-inspired craft cocktails in the bar and on the patio, Monday thru Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
